Dedication Speech
Delivering speeches in general is a nerve-wracking experience. Speaking in front of a crowd – be it small or large, will definitely make you nervous. Even if you are delivering a speech about something you are very familiar with you still get jitters and a feeling of dread before delivering your speech. It is quite normal to stutter, stammer and forget your script. However, proper preparation can help calm those nerves down.
A dedication speech is a speech delivered to honor an individual – family, friends, colleague, etc. It highlights the subject’s accomplishments and positive qualities. It often takes place in retirement parties, anniversaries, awarding ceremonies or turn-over events for new buildings or facilities. It is intended to give importance to the honoree’s impact to a company, community and other people.
Sharing personal anecdotes, other colleagues’ personal experiences and a sprinkle of humor will surely grab the audiences attention. A dedication speech is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate important milestones and express gratitude for the past years you have been with the celebrated individual. You may also see Commemorative Speech Examples
Dedication Speech Writing Tips
Ask for context
Ask the individual or company that asked you to deliver a dedication speech for some context. Ask for the expected time limit for the speech, who the audiences are and how much are expected to attend the event, is there a theme the speech should adhere to, etc. This way you can write your speech in accordance to the context of the event.
Think of a primary image or trait that best describes the subject
The goal is to string together whatever, image, metaphor, characteristics or trait you choose to the subject of your speech. This helps you as the speaker to focus on the thought of the speech. It will also help the audience have a vivid image of the subject and help them make the connection between the subject and the purpose for the speech. Good images, metaphors, characteristics could be Struggles before Success, Purpose in Pain, Humility, Resilience, etc.
Go for a creative introduction
Your introduction starts the tone of your speech. ou can start it in a mellow or an upbeat tone. You can use your primary image as an introduction or a personal anecdote that connects the subject to speech. You can also start with a joke, a story or a memory you share with the subject, this way it is easier for the audience to connect it with the subject. Make sure you use easily visualized words to help the audience picture the subject in a way that you would like.
Use compelling examples
Think of a few compelling examples that best illustrates the primary image or characteristic you have chosen. These examples will be introduced in the body of your speech. The amount of examples you use depends on the length your speech is expected to last. The best examples are those that directly connect your honoree to the image, metaphor or characteristics you chose to introduce with. Say fro example, “John Doe is just like a bamboo, not because he has long limbs, but because just like a bamboo he is resilient and he doesn’t let strong winds or problems breaks him apart. Instead, he is steadfast, flexible and enduring.” Also see 8 Tribute Speech Examples & Samples
Use pertinent conclusion
The conclusion is your last chance to give emphasis to the main point of your speech. And it is your last chance to give your audience something to remember about the speech for the days, weeks, or maybe even months after the event. Use relatable examples but at the same time it should tug the heart of the audiences. You can use a significant memory you have with the subject or a favorite quote that best describes him/her. You can also leave the audience with a question relating to the honoree’s experience that gives them something to ponder about.
Celebrate the honoree
Sometimes, speakers forget that a dedication speech is not about them. A dedication speech is about the honoree’s achievements and positive impact. Although it needs more personal inputs, remember to give emphasis on the honoree instead of always connecting it back to you. Other people’s input and experiences with the honoree will make your speech more diverse and not one-sided.
Dedication Speech Examples
Here are some dedication speech examples you can use as a guide when you will write your own dedication speech in the future.
Vernon Roger Alden Library Dedication Speech Example
trumanlibrary.org
Ben Thompson Graveside Marker Dedication Speech Example
benthompsonfoundation.org
How to Deliver a Dedication Speech
Your dedication speech can be based on your personal relationship with the honoree. You can also ask significant people to the honoree for inputs for the speech. Make sure to highlight the honoree’s accomplishments and successes. But significant failures that led to his/her success can be a turning point for the speech.
Share your speech with some of the people in attendance of the event. This way you gauge their reaction and get feedback about your speech. Oftentimes, a dedication speech relies on your humor. As it is important to make the audience enjoy the speech, make sure nobody will be offended by your humor. Family and friends of the honoree will be in attendance and the humor you and the honoree share might not be understood by the guests. Through this you can make small adjustments to your speech before taking the stage.
Familiarize your speech, don’t memorize. Memorizing your entire speech may lead to stuttering and stammering when you forget the next part of your speech. Familiarizing will help you remember the points of your speech easily. However, delivering your speech through memory or familiarization is way different from just reading your entire speech. If you are familiar with your speech, you won’t need to look at your printed copy all the time while delivering the speech.
While waiting to deliver your speech, relax and take deep breaths, talk with other guests or drink water to help calm your nerves. Remember that your speech delivery doesn’t have to be perfect, don’t make yourself more anxious by thinking it has to be. Instead, keep calm and don’t fret.
On delivering your speech, speak clearly and at a normal pace. Don’t talk as if your trying to pass the elevator test. It is a joyous event, you don’t need to be stiff and sound authoritative. People need to hear you speak clearly so they can understand the significance of your speech.
Bethesda Monument to the Pioneer Dedication Speech Example
trumanlibrary.org
Military Dedication Speech Example
lansingveteransmemorial.com
Emerson’s Library Dedication Speech Example
concordlibrary.org
State of the Self Dedication Speech
holmdigital.com
As you may have noticed, most of these dedication speeches are delivered during turn-over ceremonies of buildings or facilities in memory of a an advocate of a philanthropist. Most of are for high ranking and very influential people. However, ordinary citizens can always use a dedication speech to celebrate an honoree’s undeniable contribution in a community.
We hope you found our article on dedication speech examples to be informative. These examples will guide you in writing as well delivering a dedication speech for your own event or purpose.
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